Apply to a free After School Matters program and thrive! Learn how to use a 3D printer, produce your own music, blow glass, kick-start your culinary Instagram account, urban design with Chicago in mind, and more! For more information please visit: www.afterschoolmatters.org.

May officially proclaimed AAPI Heritage Month; DCEO to host several events to support AAPI community with business resources

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations with a proclamation recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, spotlights on AAPI-owned businesses and hosting a series of events for business owners throughout May 2022. Additional information about resources and events can be found here.

“During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, DCEO is honoring the critical role that AAPI-owned businesses play in Illinois’ economy,” said Director of DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. “We are committed to creating an inclusive business ecosystem in Illinois, helping to deliver DCEO resources to communities who have traditionally faced systemic barriers to accessing assistance and capital. During AAPI month and throughout the year, we remain steadfast in our partnership with AAPI business owners and AAPI communities across Illinois to increase access to economic opportunity.”

“As the first Asian American elected to the General Assembly, I encourage Illinoisans to celebrate National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by honoring the cultural and economic contributions from the AAPI community,” said State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago). “We will continue to share our message to eliminate anti-Asian sentiment and racism that has been spread throughout the community during the pandemic, while we work with stakeholders statewide to bolster programs and initiatives that support the AAPI community.”

Applications for the After School Matters summer session are now open! The thousands of teens who participate in our innovative programs this summer will explore their passions, develop mentoring relationships, and grow in a youth-centered environment, all while earning a stipend—teens ages 16+ will have the opportunity to earn up to $15 an hour for their participation. Learn more here.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Woodlawn Long-Term Grant program?
1. You must be the owner-occupant of a residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in the Woodlawn program area, which means that you both own and live in the property as your principal residence for at least the past FIVE years. ‘Mixed-use’ (residential & commercial) properties are not eligible.

2. You must have a household income that fits within the program limits. Household income includes income from all members of your household, even if the other household members are not your Co-applicant(s). The HUD 2021 Income limits are shown below:
Household Size 120% Area Median Income

1 person $ 78,360
2 persons $ 89,520
3 persons $100,680
4 persons $111,840
5 persons $120,840
6 persons $129,840
7 persons $138,720
8 persons $147,720